I was hesitant to join a sorority when I entered college because I wasn’t sure what it would be for me. I wanted to be a part of something that would better myself, but improved career skills are not usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of sororities. However, when recruitment came around, I read this article about the benefits Greek life has on post-graduate careers. The article described a study done by Gallup at Purdue University that looked at the effects of Greek involvement on the success rates of students post-graduation. The study analyzed success in ways such as the self-reported social, financial and community well-being of graduates. Some of the findings of this study included a feeling of preparedness for the future that was 10 percent higher than non-Greeks, a 52 percent belief of thriving in community well-being compared to 46% of non-Greek graduates, and a 5 percent higher feeling of engagement in the workplace than non-Greek graduates. The positive effect Greek life has on one’s professional development was my deciding factor. Now that I am in a sorority, I can attest to every point made in the article. I have learned skills that will carry me through the rest of my career, all thanks to Alpha Chi Omega. If I hadn't made the choice to go Greek, I would not be the confident and ambitious go-getter that I am today. My sorority experience has given me indispensable leadership, time-management, and networking skills.
Becoming a Leader: First In Your Organization and Then In The World!
Before joining my sorority, I was rather shy and was never much of a leader. After being in my sorority for two years now and receiving the constant support of my sisters, my confidence has grown indefinitely and I hold many leadership roles within my organization and outside of it. Every single member of a Greek organization is a leader, whether they serve on the executive board or not. On top of there being multiple executive and non-executive positions to be filled, every sister or brother is expected to represent their organization in the best way possible, hold his or her fellow members accountable at all times, and be a leader on campus and in the community. This leadership experience gives graduates the confidence to spearhead any opportunity or job prospect that comes their way!
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Meetings and Workshops and Schoolwork... Oh, My!
If you think Greek life is simply just fun and games, you are sadly mistaken. Every chapter’s calendar is filled (and I mean filled) with meetings, workshops, recruitment events, lectures, and more. On top of that, one must juggle their schoolwork and extracurriculars as well. By the time they enter the workforce, graduates of Greek life are masters of time management. Although it gets overwhelming when I feel like I am running around all day virtually living off of caffeine, I wouldn’t want it any other way because I feel prepared for the hustle and bustle of the real world.
Last but Definitely Not Least: Networking!
There is one undeniable skill that every single Greek affiliate will gain from their fraternity or sorority: networking. In a Greek organization, you must manage relationships and practice effective communication skills. One learns quickly to collaborate with others and deal with different personalities. Also, one of the most important aspects to any Greek organization is recruitment. Rush week provides first-hand experience with interviewing, holding conversations, and even the ability to talk to anyone. I’m sure all new members of a Greek organization can sympathize with me when I say I was scared out of my mind when I had to recruit for the first time. Now, after recruiting many times, I am a top recruiter in my sorority for my ability to go up and talk to anyone and carry on a wholesome, professional conversation. Sororities and fraternities offer authentic communities that provide a network of support throughout your lifetime.
In Conclusion…
It’s not a surprise to me that 10 percent of Greek life graduates go on to be 120 of Forbes 500’s CEO’s, 48 percent of all U.S. Presidents, 42 percent of U.S. senators, 30% of U.S. congressmen, and 40 percent of U.S. Supreme Court justices. My sorority has taught me how to walk the walk of a professional young woman and a successful leader giving me the skills and the confidence to take on the world.
